Trump v. Harvard Ruling Against International Students

Harvard University, one of America’s most idealistic and rigorous universities, received public shame–accused by President Donald Trump of being “a JOKE”, charged with teaching its students “hate and stupidity”. As a result, government agencies froze $2.2 billion, with an additional $450 million by a government antisemitism task force.

On the morning of May 22, 2025, Harvard received a letter revoking its license to admit international students unless it provided the administration access to information about foreign students. Promptly, Harvard sued the administration and won a temporary injunction. Still, US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs claims this will set Harvard up for “immediate and irreparable injury” in the future.

If Trump is successful in this pursuit, many international students will lose their US permit and will be forced back to their home country, unable to attend another university in the United States. As a result, Harvard will lose about 6,800 students and $400 million in tuition.

President Trump also plans to implement reforms that limit the power of students and university facilities, especially those involved in activism and supporting foreign affairs related to the Israeli-Palestinian wars. As of August 2025, applications given priority based on sex, race, religion, and national origin will be prohibited, and diversity-advocating programs will be ceased.

The order was temporarily blocked until May 29, 2025, when the government plans to continue its first steps in a long-lasting legal battle.